TOPICAL PHILIPPINES

People

JOSE DIOKNO

26 February 1922 to 27 February 1987

Jose Diokno was Secretary of Justice, a Senator and
campaigner for human rights.

In 1961, Diokno was appointed Secretary of Justice however he was
asked to resign after pursuing a case which would potentially implicate
many members of the Senate and Congress of corruption.

In the 1963 elections, Diokno was elected as Senator. He was noted
for his pro-people legislation and strong opposition to legislation of
laws which he considered inimical to the interests of Filipinos.

As zealous human rights lawyer, particularly during martial law. His
crusade for human rights so irked Marcos that, when Martial Law was
finally declared in September 1972, he was the first member of the
opposition to be arrested. He was imprisoned without being charged and
without legal recourse. Upon his release in 1974, he immediately
organized the Free Legal Assistance Group, which gave free legal
services to victims of military oppression under martial law. He
fearlessly and resolutely fought for the restoration of Philippine
democracy.

Upon Diokno’s death, President Corazon Aquino declared 2 to 12 March
1987 as a period of national mourning for Diokno. Today, the Philippines
celebrate 27 February as Jose Diokno Day. Although not a public holiday,
flags of all government buildings and installations throughout the
country are flown at half-mast to honour him